I tried hard to find a way to visit friends in Cleveland en route back to Minneapolis, but hit a few roadblocks. Inititally the cost to do this was within the realm of the original ticket price, which ranged from $350-$450. Then it skyrocketed overnight at the same time the round-trip dropped significantly.

Yesterday, last night, and this morning, I prayed hard about that part of the trip, and realized that now is just not the right time. I love my friends in Cleveland, and if it weren't for them or for my trip to visit them last July, none of this would be happening now. The reality is that I NEED to get back to visit them at some point, but maybe now is not that time.

I also realized there is a good chance that after all the flight transfers and socializing and learning and intense praying I'll be doing, I might well be suffering from "get-home-itis" at the end of ten days. I may need my complete solitude back, and time to process what happened in the privacy and comfort of my own home.

I still haven't found anyone (verified) who can take my dog for that ten days. If worst comes to worst, I know a woman who runs a greyhound "doggie day care" out of her home and in the past has said that since mine was a "greyhound sibling" she would be willing to take her. But the cost would still be about $25-$30 per day, the going rate, and 10 days of that would add up very quickly. And yes, I know my dear friend Cathy would come stay with her again...if she had the time. :-)

Well, it looks like this is really happening, and I am looking forward to this trip. Thanks to all who are helping to make this happen, whether in prayer, hands-on sorts of things, or financially. My goodness...how many people DOES it take? :-)

Dorrie ~ I actually hadn't heard of the book you mention at all as I'm not that into allegory. I read "The Great Divorce" by CS Lewis, good book but not my cuppa tea. But I'm glad it's been helpful to you! As I understand it, it's a classic of sorts! Thanks for mentioned it..if I am ever in the market for allegory, maybe I'll give it a shot!

Wow, you've tried so many things! Hmm, maybe I am at the point of looking for my vocation after all. In college, I kept changing majors because I couldn't decide what to do. I had the grades to do whatever I wanted, I've never really struggled academically, but nothing seems appealing to me. Even now, I can't decide what I want to do. I should pray about it.

Precious Blood of Christ...

About my Mission and Purpose

"To whom do I tell these things? Not to you, my God, but before you I tell them to my own kind, to mankind, or to whatever small part of it may come upon these books of mine. Why do I tell these things? It is that I myself and whoever else reads them may realize from what great depths we must cry unto you. What is closer to your ears than a contrite heart and a life of faith?"
~ St. Augustine